The main political parties had braced themselves for a good showing by UKIP in yesterday’s elections; even so, for the party to repeat its Eastleigh by-election result by taking second place in South Shields was remarkable. Labour’s majority was substantially reduced and not only did UKIP beat the Conservatives into third place, the Liberal Democrats humiliatingly lost their deposit. In other parts of England where the county council elections took place, as well as in the unitary authorities, UKIP took on average around a quarter of the vote where it stood.

This is a remarkable result — but these are not national elections. Nigel Farage has clearly articulated opinions on a number of issues that matter to many people, from immigration to high speed rail, but the party has not yet been subjected to the merciless scrutiny that any of the major parties have had to weather. UKIP has yet to draw up any realistic, costed spending and saving plans for the economy and when it does it may lose some of its appeal to those voters for whom the charm of UKIP is its “none of the above” character. Moreover, the party in any general election is unlikely to have appeal in Scotland or Wales. There is also the problem that UKIP, even more than any other party, is a one-man band; its image and fortunes depend almost entirely on its leader.

Yet after yesterday’s elections it will be difficult for the main parties to dismiss the newcomers, in Ken Clarke’s words, as “clowns”. There are votes to be had in populism and it is a salutary lesson for the main parties. Labour did reasonably well yesterday but by no means as well as they might have expected given the Government’s difficulties. The Lib-Dems may be in government but face electoral meltdown. The Tories are under threat in their heartland.

Ministers should remember, however, that at general elections — above all the next — the dominant issue remains the economy. If there are signs that growth is returning, that jobs are available for the young and that the cost of living is being contained, it will be proof against any protest vote. If the Government fails on this, its main focus, nothing else will save it. Yesterday’s results should make ministers concentrate more than ever on the issue that counts.

More Heathrow?

The publication of proposals that bosses at Heathrow are considering for increasing capacity has already stirred controversy. The report includes proposals for a four-runway superhub airport close to Maidenhead or Oxford and another for doubling runways at the airport to four. Heathrow’s executives say that they have not decided in favour of any one option but the very idea that they are being contemplated has already outraged residents in areas that could be affected.

Heathrow will be presenting its preferred proposals to the Airports Commission in July, when it faces competition from the Mayor’s suggestion for a hub airport in the Thames Estuary. One of the proposals for adopting “mixed mode” use of existing runways could, unlike the others, be implemented now. What the latest row tells us is that the issue of aviation capacity is not going to go away — and there will be nimbyism whatever option the Government adopts. Yet the interests of the economy and of London must be put ahead of local concerns.

Sun worship

London's blossoming trees and banks of daffodils are looking wonderful in the sunshine, which, for once, has come out for the bank holiday. It’s time for parks and picnics. Let’s enjoy the sun while it lasts.